10 awe-inspiring American castles

By Justin Ocean | Budget Travel – Wed, Aug 15, 2012 8:31 PM EDT

Castello di Amorosa (Photo: Brian Jannsen / AgeFotostock)

Who doesn't go a bit giddy at the sight of a castle? The good news is that you don't have to head to Europe for honest-to-goodness ones of the Cinderella variety—we have plenty right here in our own backyard. Railroad barons commissioned most of these estates, but at least one housed a legitimate king and queen (bet you didn't know this country had its own history of royalty!). Each is an engineering wonder in its own right, with some even constructed out of old-world castles that were shipped across the ocean. And each is open to tours should you decide to make a trip (a select few will even let you spend the night). Read this…

6232 Views, 0 Comments

Weekly Economic Summary From The Cascade Team (August 30th, 2012)

August 29, 2012

Last week in review (August 20 - 24, 2012)

The minutes from the July 31-August 1 meeting for the Federal Open Market Committee revealed that the Fed is moving closer towards some kind of Quantitative Easing (QE3) at their next meeting. Remember that rumors of QE3 can help bonds (and therefore home loan rates, which are tied to mortgage bonds). We saw evidence of that last week, as bonds and home loan rates rallied on QE3 rumors.

The Fed minutes also revealed that economic activity has decelerated in recent months, with a notable slowing in consumer spending. The minutes went on to say that the housing market remains depressed. There was some good housing news last week, as both Existing Home Sales and New Home Sales rose in…

3181 Views, 0 Comments

Top 10 Most Viewed Homes on www.TheCascadeTeam.com Aug 29th 2012

Most Viewed Listings

• MLS #396339
• MLS #397177
• MLS #396896
• MLS #398160
• MLS #369389
• MLS #398022
• MLS #397517
• MLS #398142
• MLS #397012
• MLS #394800

3284 Views, 0 Comments

Carlsbad Real Estate Market Update

There are currently 369  single family residential Carlsbad homes for sale at a median price of $710,000, with an average of 117 days on market; up 10 days from the last report.  Days on market has begun to lengthen over the last few weeks, with 33% of all listed properties had a price decrease in the last seven days, and only 5% of the homes in Carlsbad had a price increase.  Inventory levels have been relatively consistent given the current sell through rate, and overall days on market are currently trending down.  Recently, the seven day moving price average made a healthy move back towards the 90 day moving average, which would suggest that short term price movement is stalling. 

Home inventory has been increasing lately, and the market appears to…

4096 Views, 0 Comments

Seattle Queen Anne Condominium For Sale

Property Website

Priced at $330,000

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Home Size: 1,334 sq.ft. Garage: 1
Lot Size: 13,891 sq.ft. County: King
Property Type: Condo, Townhome Year Built: 1977
MLS Number: 398685

Open and bright condo with street level access and great views of the water. This end unit condo has two beds, two bathrooms with marble countertops, and extended hardwoods throughout the living area. The kitchen has upgraded cabinets, granite counters and offers great views of the water. Outside you'll find a large entertaining deck with views of Elliott Bay and private covered garage parking. Easy street level access as well. For added peace of mind, home comes with 1 yr FREE home warranty.

Make your ON-Line Offer HERE!

Bid This House - Home Buyer's…

3197 Views, 0 Comments

North Bend Silver Creek Community Home For Sale

Property Website

Priced at $275,000

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1
Home Size: 1,410 sq.ft. Garage: 3
Lot Size: 25,500 sq.ft. Community: Silver Creek
County: King Property Type: Single Family Home
Year Built: 1948 MLS Number: 398297

Immaculate Silver Creek home on over half acre with huge shop. Stunning mountain view surround. 3 Bedrooms plus office (or 4th BR), full bath, large kitchen with eating nook, formal dining room, welcoming family room, move in ready, low maintenance aluminum siding, wired for generator and don't forget the gorgeous mountain views. All appliances included. Attached garage with laundry, 900sf detached garage/shop with power, storage shed and additional covered storage area. Mostly fenced with invisible fence surrounding property.…

3746 Views, 0 Comments

Proper Pricing is the #1 Key to Selling your Home

If home lacks features of recent comps, it's time to subtract value!

By Dian Hymer, Monday, August 20, 2012 Inman News®

A first-quarter survey of homebuyers and sellers done by HomeGain.com, a  real estate services website, revealed that 76 percent of homeowners believe  their home is worth more than the list price recommended by their real estate  agent.

Homebuyers usually have a better grasp of current market value in the  area where they're looking to buy than do sellers who own and live there. Buyers  look at a lot of new listings. They make offers, know what sells quickly and  for how much, and what doesn't and why. HomeGain reported that homebuyers still  think sellers are overpricing their homes.

Your home is worth what a buyer will pay…

3332 Views, 0 Comments

Bellevue Home for Sale Eastgate Somerset

Property Website

Priced at $595,000

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
Home Size: 2,145 sq.ft. Garage: 1
Lot Size: 11,296 sq.ft. Community: Eastgate Somerset
County: King Property Type: Single Family Home
Year Built: 1955 MLS Number: 397864 

Beautifully presented well maintained home on private lot close to Somerset main entrance. 4 bedroom,1.5 bath with family room,indoor pool, and hot tub.Hardwoods,designer kitchen with high end stainless appliances,cherry cabinetry,slab granite counter tops.Gas range and Vent-a -Hood.Large windows frame the lush landscaping and allow light to flow through the house.A vast array of terraced gardens and fruit trees, a potting shed with electrical and plumbing, greenhouse, and water feature, all on oversized lot will entice…

3280 Views, 0 Comments

Mortgage Rates Are on the Way Up - 4th Straight week of increase!

Daily Real Estate News | Friday, August 24, 2012  

Following several positive reports this week of a housing market gaining momentum this week, fixed-rate mortgages inched higher, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. This is the fourth consecutive week that mortgage rates have inched higher after reaching all-time lows just a month ago.

Here’s a closer look at rates for the week ending Aug. 23:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.66 percent, with an average 0.7 point, rising from last week’s 3.62 percent average. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 4.22 percent. 
• …

2682 Views, 0 Comments

Bellevue Housing Market Update

There are currently 566 active residential homes for sale in Bellevue, with an average price of $900,931; down slightly from our last report.  In addition, there are now 97 short sale listings in Bellevue, at an average price of $502,847, along with now only 8 bank owned homes, at an average price of $456,131.  It appears the market is has shown some signs of stabilization after the last few months of strong sales and lack of inventory. 

There are currently 297 active residential condos for sale in Bellevue, with an average price of $487,634, a fairly substantial uptick in pricing and inventory from the last report.  Short sale inventory is also climbing wit 85 short sale condos in Bellevue, at an average price of $205,142; which is up nearly…

2162 Views, 0 Comments